Petrarca winger Warren Spragg has warned tomorrow's opponents Newcastle Falcons not to expect an easy ride in northern Italy.
Spragg has spent four season with the Italian champions and scored a try two years ago when the sides met at the Stadio Plebiscito, when the Falcons scrapped though to win 29 v 27.
And as he prepares for the return of the English side, the 29-year-old
"We were absolutely gutted two years ago," Spragg told the Newcastle Journal.
"We had a penalty to win the game right at the end when our kicker slipped over, and they got a try through Micky Young to seal it which should never have been scored.
"We had two guys defending the blind-side and they both said they were covering the open-side at exactly the same time, so it left a massive hole and he went through unopposed to score.
"That was frustrating, and I suppose it summarised the difference between the teams. We do not have the same quality of players, but when you go get the chance to go up against these sides in Europe you really want to have a crack at them.
Spragg has made 25 European appearances in his six years in Italy and the former Calvisano star is still enjoying life and rugby in the country.
"I have enjoyed Padova immensely, and it is a great city," he added.
"We have come into this season as champions for the first time in 27 years, and it was a massive thing for the club which has led to a lot of optimism going into the current campaign."
"We are fully professional, and we have a squad of 41 players.
"For our level we are a pretty evenly-distributed side. We have some good experience mixed with younger lads, and in our league we are one of the better teams.
"It is difficult against an English Premiership outfit to say we have got a really good front-row or whatever when you think who we will be up against, but we are strong for our competition. We are not a team with any individual heroes, but we are strong around the park and really work hard for each other."